Residents gearing up for Raynham Pride Day next month

The town will come together next month to celebrate community pride for the 18th straight year. “I was raised that to live in a community, you should be part of that community and do what you can to help the community prosper,” Raynham Pride Day organizer Kevin Ellis said. “I’ve...

The town will come together next month to celebrate community pride for the 18th straight year.

“I was raised that to live in a community, you should be part of that community and do what you can to help the community prosper,” Raynham Pride Day organizer Kevin Ellis said. “I’ve felt Raynham Pride Day not only shows the quality of the people who live in Raynham, but also shows that businesses in the town do care about Raynham.”

Raynham Pride Day, a free celebration featuring entertainment, food and a local business exposition, is scheduled for 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 15 at Borden Colony Gazebo Park, King Philip Street.

A group of townspeople including Kathleen Roberts and Gordon Francis founded Raynham Pride Day, Ellis said. Ellis and his wife Shirley began heading up the annual event 16 years ago.

“I’ve lived in Ray(nham) almost 35 years,” Ellis said. “I love this town and would do anything I could to help it become better known and more appreciated.”

Raynham Pride Day, he said, typically draws a crowd of 3,500 to 4,000. For the past five years, people attending have been asked to bring a nonperishable food item to donate to the Raynham Food Bank.

“What Raynham Pride Day is,” Ellis said. “is an afternoon of free family fun. We provide free food and entertainment. We have over 120 local biz and charitable organizations that come out and set up booths to give out information.”

The Lions Club will provide free hotdogs and soda, while Dunkin’ Donuts will provide coffee and munchkins. Panera Bread will also be on hand to offer free pastry samples. Members of the Raynham Police and Fire associations will serve blue and red snow cones, facing off in a friendly contest to see whose are most popular.

Brenner Family Magic is providing a children’s magic show, a reptile display and a DJ. Bridgewater Savings Bank is providing funding to offer Barn Babies Petting Zoo. Hannant the Florist is expected to be on hand to give out flowers.

Firefighters will run a series of fun and educational activities for children and families.

As has been the case in years past, Raynham Pride Day will also have a 30-foot rock climbing wall. The attraction, which costs $5 per person, is one of the few activities that won’t be free.